Leaders of the Chapala area business community are anxious to see a dynamic and well-qualified person take charge as chief officer of the regional branch of Jalisco’s Ministry of Tourism (Seturjal).
The position has been vacant since last March, following the retirement of Hugo Pegueros Oseguera, who served as the local Seturjal delegate for 25 years. At a critical moment when municipal governments are on the verge changing administrations, lakeside business operators are crossing their fingers that someone with an excellent profile will soon be named to fill his shoes.
Sara Elena Sanchez Reynosa, proprietor of Ajijic’s La Tratoria restaurant, was among a group of entrepreneurs who recently met with Jalisco Tourism Secretary Enrique Ramos Flores to discuss their concerns about his seemingly lax attention to filling the empty post and spearheading promotion of lakeshore destinations.
“He was apologetic about only visiting the area twice since he took office two years ago and made a promise to turn his eyes this way,” she said.
The general consensus is that Ramos would be wise to name a professional in the field who speaks English fluently, is well versed in the area’s historical, cultural and natural attributes, and “knows how to sell the Chapala brand.” Impetus for promoting regular tour group excursions and the ability to obtain government funding and attract private investment would be added assets.
“We need a person who truly knows and loves the Chapala area and shares Pegueros’ strong passion for conserving our lake,” said Viviana Plascencia Lopez, manager of the Hotel Montecarlo. “Ideally, it would be someone capable of working closely with the new mayor, the municipal tourism office and the business sector to organize special events and solidify projects that will draw more visitors.”
Pegueros’ long-time assistant Eva Litzo Ibarra has been mentioned as a potential candidate who fits the bill for her experience, familiarity with the lakeshore region and close contacts with tourism service providers.
“I favor a local person for the job,” said veteran tourist boat pilot Ricardo Montes Mejia. “But above all it should be someone with a real interest in providing personal attention to tourists, guiding them to places of interest, and listening to and acting on their complaints.” He also would prefer an individual who get out of the office frequently to keep an eye on Chapala tourist zone and push for improvements to make the waterfront more appealing.
“One way or another, all local businesses rely on tourists and retirees to survive. Strong leadership in the tourist department is vital to the area’s future prosperity,” Sanchez concluded.